Minister warns of severe flooding in 148 LGAs across 31 states

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During the official unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, cautioned that 148 local government areas spread across 31 states are at high risk of flooding this year.

The theme of this year’s AFO is “Promoting the Use of Data Analytics and Modeling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security.”

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) leads the yearly predictions for AFO, with Utsev issuing the warning regarding the identified states: Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

Utsev stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential flood impacts in these areas, such as preparedness, early warning systems, and community engagement to minimize damage to lives and property.

He highlighted that the high-risk areas are expected to experience flooding from April to November 2024, potentially affecting population, agriculture, livelihoods, livestock, infrastructure, and the environment.

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Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), underscored the pivotal partnership between NIHSA and his organization in enhancing the nation’s disaster preparedness.

Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), called for the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country.

Clement Nze, NIHSA Director-General, encouraged the essential role of fostering collaboration among disaster risk managers, earth observers, mission makers, and other stakeholders to enhance preparedness and flood control measures.